Where to Find Granite and Marble Countertops and Tile in South Carolina

Distinctive Granite & Marble is a countertop and tile supplier in the Midlands

Distinctive Granite & Marble is a building materials supplier located in Columbia that specializes in natural stone countertops, vanities, and tile. The business carries granite, marble, and other stone products for kitchen and bathroom projects, as well as commercial installations. They work with homeowners, contractors, and builders who need stone materials cut and finished to specification.

The company operates as a local supplier rather than a big-box retailer, which means you can see samples in person, discuss your project with someone familiar with stone, and arrange custom cutting and edge finishing. This matters if you are comparing stone options for color and pattern, or if your kitchen layout requires non-standard dimensions or edge profiles.

Key Takeaways

• Distinctive Granite & Marble stocks granite, marble, and other natural stone products for countertops, vanities, and tile work.
• You can visit the showroom to view stone samples and discuss your specific project needs with staff.
• The business offers custom cutting and edge finishing, which is useful if your countertop or tile layout requires non-standard sizes or profiles.
• They work with homeowners doing renovations as well as contractors and builders on larger projects.

What stone materials they carry

Granite is the most common choice for countertops because it resists scratching and heat, and it comes in hundreds of color and pattern combinations. Marble is softer and more porous than granite, which makes it less practical for kitchen work surfaces but popular for bathroom vanities and decorative tile. Both materials are quarried stone, so each slab has natural variation—no two pieces are identical.

Beyond granite and marble, natural stone suppliers typically stock quartz, slate, soapstone, and limestone depending on demand and availability. Quartz is engineered (crushed stone bound with resin) rather than solid stone, but it offers consistent color and requires less sealing. Distinctive Granite & Marble can tell you which materials are in stock and which can be ordered for your timeline.

How to use a stone supplier for your project

Start by visiting the showroom with photos or measurements of your space. Bring the dimensions of your countertop or the wall where tile will go, and any details about your kitchen or bathroom layout—cabinet height, sink location, appliance placement. The staff can show you stone options that fit your budget and style, and explain the differences in durability, maintenance, and cost between materials.

Once you choose a stone, the supplier measures your space (or works from your contractor's measurements) and arranges fabrication—cutting the stone to size, polishing edges, drilling sink holes, and finishing the surface. Installation is typically handled by a separate contractor, though some stone suppliers work with installers they recommend. Ask whether the price quote includes delivery to your home or job site.

Granite versus marble for different rooms

Granite is harder and denser than marble, so it resists staining and etching better. A kitchen countertop sees acidic foods (lemon, vinegar, wine), hot pans, and sharp knives—granite handles all three without damage. Marble will etch (develop dull spots) if acidic liquids sit on it, and it can scratch more easily. For a kitchen, granite is the practical choice unless you are willing to seal marble regularly and treat it carefully.

Marble works well in bathrooms because bathrooms see less food and acid exposure. A marble vanity top looks elegant and is easy to keep clean with gentle care. Marble tile on a bathroom floor or wall is also common, though polished marble can be slippery underfoot. If you love the look of marble but need kitchen durability, some people use marble for a kitchen island (which gets less wear) and granite for the main prep surfaces.

Cost and timeline for stone countertops

Natural stone countertop prices vary widely based on the specific material, thickness, edge profile, and complexity of your layout. Granite is generally less expensive than marble, and common colors cost less than rare or imported stones. Thickness matters—standard countertops are 1.25 inches thick, but thicker slabs cost more. Edge profiles (beveled, ogee, waterfall) add to the price.

Fabrication and delivery typically take two to four weeks, depending on how busy the supplier is and whether the stone is in stock. If you need a specific rare stone, lead time can be longer. Installation by a contractor usually happens within a week or two after fabrication is complete. Plan your kitchen or bathroom renovation timeline around these windows, and ask Distinctive Granite & Marble for a realistic schedule when you get your quote.

Sealing and maintaining natural stone

Granite and marble are porous, which means liquids can seep into the stone if left sitting. Most granite is sealed at the fabrication shop before delivery, but the seal wears over time and needs reapplication every one to three years depending on use. Marble is more porous and typically needs sealing more often. You can test whether your stone needs sealing by dropping water on it—if the water beads up, the seal is still working; if it soaks in, it is time to reseal.

Daily care is simple: wipe spills promptly with a soft cloth and mild soap, and avoid acidic cleaners or abrasive scrubbers. Use coasters under glasses and trivets under hot pans. For marble, be extra cautious with acidic foods and acidic cleaners. The staff at Distinctive Granite & Marble can recommend sealers and cleaners suited to your specific stone, and explain the maintenance routine you will need to follow.

Working with contractors and designers

If you are hiring a contractor for a kitchen or bathroom renovation, they often have relationships with stone suppliers and may get a discount or priority scheduling. Let your contractor know early that you want to use Distinctive Granite & Marble, so they can coordinate measurements and timing. Some contractors prefer to handle stone selection themselves; others will take you to the showroom and let you choose.

Interior designers and architects also work with stone suppliers regularly. If you are working with a designer, they can specify materials and coordinate with Distinctive Granite & Marble on your behalf. This can streamline the process, though you will still want to see samples in person before final approval. Whether you are working with a professional or doing the project yourself, visiting the showroom and talking through your needs is the best way to make sure the stone you choose fits your space and your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see samples before I decide?

Yes. Distinctive Granite & Marble maintains a showroom where you can view stone samples in person. This is important because granite and marble colors and patterns look different under your home's lighting than they do under showroom lights. Bring photos of your kitchen or bathroom, and ask to see samples in natural light if possible.

What if I need a custom edge or a non-standard size?

Custom cutting and edge finishing are standard services at stone suppliers. Bring your exact measurements and describe the edge profile you want (beveled, ogee, bullnose, etc.). The fabrication shop will cut the stone to size and finish the edges during the fabrication process before delivery.

Do I need to seal my granite or marble after installation?

Most granite arrives pre-sealed from the fabrication shop, but the seal wears over time and typically needs reapplication every one to three years. Marble is more porous and may need sealing more frequently. Ask Distinctive Granite & Marble whether your stone is sealed and what maintenance schedule they recommend.

How long does the whole process take from choosing stone to installation?

Fabrication usually takes two to four weeks, depending on whether the stone is in stock and how busy the shop is. Installation by a contractor typically happens within a week or two after fabrication. Plan for a total of four to six weeks from the time you place your order to the time your countertops are ready to use.

What is the difference between granite and quartz?

Granite is natural stone quarried from the earth; quartz is engineered from crushed stone and resin. Granite has natural variation and requires periodic sealing. Quartz is more uniform in appearance, does not need sealing, and is non-porous. Quartz is often more expensive than granite, but it requires less maintenance. Ask which material fits your budget and lifestyle.